TORONTO — Under fire from the judiciary and media, Ontario's police chiefs are turning to the provincial government for advice on how to proceed with enforcement of court orders to break up Idle No More protests.

In a letter dated Jan 9., Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police president Steve Tanner asks Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur for advice.

Some First Nations chiefs have declared Wednesday a national day of action with blockades planned in several locations across Ontario, including the Ambassador Bridge, North America's busiest border crossing.

"I am writing to ask you, as the minister responsible for community safety in the province of Ontario, to advise what the ministry's expectations and position is with respect to the appropriate police response in these types of protests," Tanner writes.

Click to open in new window

Tanner also expresses his frustration over media coverage, which has scrutinized police for not forcibly removing First Nations protesters who've blocked roads and rail lines.